Programmes for School Leavers
Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
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Qualifications Explained
At Weston College we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we deliver a variety of different qualification types - to give you the chance to learn in the way that suits you the most.
A Levels
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers. Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career. A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
Apprenticeships
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace..
Professional and Technical Qualifications
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great way for 16 to 24-year-olds who haven’t yet gained the skills and experiences necessary to apply for jobs and apprenticeships. They are taught mostly in the workplace and include a mixture of personal and social development, and employability skills. The aim of a traineeship is to train you within a company so that you are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship or a job.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@weston.ac.uk. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Last night marked another triumphant showcase for the talented Weston College Music students. Thanks to a special agreement with the venue owner, students took to the stage once again at The Electric Banana. </p><p>Throughout the evening, students not only captivated the audience with their performances but also played a crucial role in setting up the stage and managing transitions between the nine acts scheduled for the night. This hands-on experience showcased their musical talents and helped to highlight their professionalism and technical skills. </p><p>The diverse lineup of performers underscored the eclectic personalities and skillsets built by the music courses. From renditions of 60s classics that resonated with both young and mature audiences alike to energetic punk anthems and the infectious tunes of a closing function band, the night was a testament to the students' versatility and creativity. </p><p> </p><drupal-entity alt=""Our music students performing on the stage of a busy nightclub"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07b35b13-c1bc-49dd-8631-299fa2087b0c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>One audience member remarked, "It takes me back to my youth and very happy times," reflecting the emotional power of music. Oz students' interpretations of timeless classics left a lasting impression on attendees, showcasing the enduring relevance of musical expression across generations. </p><p>Once again, our students have proven themselves as rising stars in the music scene, leaving their mark on Weston's vibrant cultural landscape! </p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This performance forms part of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ceh-creative">Creative Arts</a> Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. </p><p>To find out more about Music at Weston College,<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music "> click here</a>!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We had the privilege of hosting Lisa Phillips, Mark Vearncombe, Nick Denham and Matt Maynard from Bakers Dolphin Coaches, who delivered an enlightening presentation to our Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Full-Time Motor Vehicle learners. The session provided invaluable insights into the rich history and evolution of Bakers Dolphin, from its humble beginnings offering funeral services via horse and carriage in 1889 to its current stature as a leading coach operator business boasting a fleet of over 100 coaches. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Bakers Dolphin Coaches, a renowned provider of services to schools, coach tours both domestically and internationally, as well as private hire, shared their journey of growth and adaptation with our students. The highlight of the presentation was the announcement of their forthcoming move to a new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility near the Food Works in Weston-Super-Mare. This relocation underscores their commitment to modernising and expanding their workshop operations, with plans for a 10-bay centre designed to accommodate their scaling needs. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">During the engaging session, the Bakers Dolphin team elucidated the diverse career opportunities available in PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) Service and Maintenance operations. Each learner received a comprehensive insight into the job role, complemented by a detailed explanation of the activities integral to the position. As a token of appreciation, the students were gifted goody bags containing a Bakers Dolphin PCV inspection/service report along with a tyre depth gauge, fostering practical learning experiences. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"> </p><drupal-entity alt=""Bakers Dolphin delivering a presentation to students"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65dc3cd1-69d2-4a8c-b186-225af35bd2a5" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_650x650","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Further enriching the experience, students were treated to an immersive tour of one of the coaches brought to the site, offering a firsthand glimpse into the operations and upkeep of these vehicles. Students displaying a keen interest were extended a special invitation to tour the current workshop facilities and offered the invaluable opportunity for a week-long work experience placement. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on exposure, aiding them in making informed decisions about potential career paths within Bakers Dolphin, whether through direct employment or formal apprenticeship training. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"> </p><drupal-entity alt=""Bakers Dolphin showing students a coach engine"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8b5d812-deae-47ab-8f7f-84c6882981b1" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_650x650","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This guest visit forms part of the Motor Vehicle Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">To discover more about our Motor Vehicle courses, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; target="_blank">click here</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:"Hco Gotham", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" dir="ltr"><strong style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;">If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong></span><a class="fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(16, 108, 177);font-family:"Hco Gotham", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; aria-label="Link here" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-… class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" dir="ltr"><strong style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;">here</strong></span></a><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:"Hco Gotham", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" dir="ltr"><strong style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;">. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"> </p>
<p>This week we welcomed back former Weston College learner, Ellie, to share her inspiring journey with our animal management students.</p><p>Ellie's journey began during her time at Weston College, where she seized the opportunity to secure an industry placement at Puxton Park, laying the foundation for her career in animal care. From there, her path led her to being offered a role as an animal keeper—a testament to her commitment and skill in the field.</p><p>However, Ellie's dream is to work with monkeys, and she is currently on a sabbatical, which included a 3-month voluntary placement in South Africa.</p><p>For two months, Ellie lent her expertise to Monkey Helpline, contributing to the rehabilitation of wild primates. This hands-on experience allowed her to witness first hand the challenges and rewards of primate conservation efforts. Subsequently, she spent a month with International Primate Rescue as a primate care assistant, playing a crucial role in rescuing primates from the perils of the pet trade.</p><p>During her spell volunteering, she has been offered a full-time job, showcasing the fantastic work she has been doing.</p><p>Subject Area Manager for Animal Management, Laura Link, said: “It was great to see Ellie, who shared all about her fantastic experiences with our students.</p><p>“She only had one-week back in the UK, during her sabbatical, so we were very lucky that she came to visit before heading back to South Africa.</p><p>“Ellie has been on an incredible journey, and her passion really shines through, which our learners found really inspiring. It showed that through studying Animal Management, you can achieve your dream career, and work anywhere in the world.”</p><p>This guest speaker forms part of the Animal Management Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… can find out more about our Animal Management courses, by clicking here.</a></p>
